What we define as “Extremism” is understood as a moral problem, a problem whereby an individual, ideology, group or organisation pursues a course of action, in the name of some cause, which violates established ethical and reasoned judgement. In Western historical memory, the term invigorates accounts of unprecedented human tragedies, accumulating in death, destruction, chaos … More Understanding Political Extremism and its Origins- Fascism, Jihadism and Communism

The “American Dream” conjures up a powerful image, yet it is one rooted in the past than in the future. If we think of it uncritically, it embodies hope, equality, opportunity, fortune, liberty, wealth and aspiration. We warmly imagine the scene of European migrants arriving at Ellis Island by boat in the early 20th century, … More Donald Trump and the demise of the American Dream

What we refer to as “China” draws up remarkable images in Western imagination. It’s a land so distant, so far away and seemingly so removed from our own familiarity that it captures the awe, wonder, intrigue but also the contempt and prejudice of every day opinion. Go and ask people about China and you’ll hear … More Understanding Western Sinophobia and Anti-Chinese Sentiment

Donald Trump is making headlines again, and, as usual not for the right reasons. After everything Trump has came out with and his apparent political invincibility despite the distastefulness of his endless remarks, last night’s revelations may prove to be the final nail in his coffin after leaked footage from 2005 shown the Presidential Candidate … More Donald Trump, American Secular Nationalism and the Decline of Religious Identity

I am not from a privileged background. I was born and grew up on a council estate in Sunderland, a deprived post-industrial city in the North East of England. The area suffers from above average unemployment, population decline and a general mood of pessimism and defeatism towards life. Having grew up in this environment, my … More You can change and shape your future- Don’t Give Up

Being in Japan gave me the opportunity to watch the U.S Presidential debate in the morning. It was an event I’d been anticipating to see for weeks, styled as the biggest and most crucial Presidential debate in history. The estimated audience of 100 million viewers clearly supported that notion. For many Americans themselves, there was … More Quick Thoughts on the Presidential Debate